US President Biden in Israel
US President Joe Biden arrived in Israel hours after the attack on a hospital in Gaza that killed hundreds of people. Biden visited Israel amid rising tensions between Israel and Hamas. Arab governments condemned Israel following the attack on a hospital in Gaza that killed hundreds of people. White House: Biden will ask tough questions of Israel during visit to Tel Aviv According to a statement made by the White House, Biden will meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's war cabinet as part of his visit to Tel Aviv. White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby announced that Biden will receive information about the situation in the region "as a true friend of Israel" and hold discussions on Israel's goals and future plans during his visit. Kirby emphasized that Biden will ask "tough questions" of Israeli leaders but that his tone will be "not threatening or hostile, but like a true friend." Noting that Biden would emphasize that they do not want the existing tensions to escalate, Kirby stated that they want to prevent any actor that would increase tension, "regardless of nation or terrorist groups."